Iran government dropped all charges to free French woman

(Photo: The Daily Star Lebanon)

by Alena Masterson
edited by Ian Keating

A French business woman, Nelly Erin-Cambervelle, has finally released after four months of being detained in Iran, according to the New York Times.

Erin-Cambervelle, a 59-year-old French citizen, was arrested in Kish, an Iran Gulf Island, for allegedly signing an illegal contract and carrying out a non-authorized trip. The Iranian officials demanded 40,000 euros equivalent to $45,000 for the French citizen’s release.

Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, had previously said, “The consular services have been able to meet her several times and are very concerned about her situation.” Stating that they are trying to negotiate Erin-Cambervelle’s release while trying to respect Iranian customs.

The relationship between Iran and France has been tense even though both countries signed a nuclear deal in 2015. However, tensions have been increasing in the last six months due to possible bomb threats from the Iranian government.